Lethbridge and southern Alberta have some of the best potential for solar energy in Canada. This potential, combined with the Province
of Alberta’s commitment to provide rebates to homeowners who wish to install solar photovoltaic (solar PV) systems, has increased the
feasibility for home-based solar installations.
Solar PV systems can help you to save on the cost of electricity. Once the capital costs of installation are paid for, electricity generation
is free for your home. Having a solar installation will also add to the value of your home and will decrease your carbon footprint. By installing
a solar system, you can be buffered against future increases in energy prices and gain long-term energy security for your home.
If you are interested in exploring a solar PV system for your home or business, the following information may help:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a photovoltaic solar system?
A system that captures light from the sun and converts it to electricity
Are there different types of systems?
Yes there are systems that tie into the existing grid, systems that use battery storage,
or a combination of the two.
Can I put solar on my house?
Yes but it may require engineering reports to make sure the roof is safe for the extra
weight and wind uplift. Also an application must be made to the city and province.
Can I put any system on my house?
Yes but the orientation (which direction it’s facing) and pitch or slant of your roof may determine its efficiency. The best roofs are steep,
southern facing roofs with few pipes, vents and obstacles sticking up.
Can I install a system myself?
Yes but it requires a vast amount of knowledge and we would recommend using a local licensed installer. Make sure you ask for references
and examples of their work.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels are designed to last at least 25 years and may last even longer. They also protect the shingles on your roof from damage,
thereby saving you from needing to repair your roof as often.
Solar Installation Process
We strongly encourage you to use a qualified solar panel installer. A qualified
installer will take care of all paperwork and permits needed to complete the process.
1. Contact a solar panel installer and decide which type of solar panel will be best for your situation.
2. Take your utility bill with you to the installer and they will assist you in figuring out how
many solar panels you will require to reduce your utilities to where you would like to see them.
3. The solar panel installer will also request a budget from you, this will also be a
deciding factor in how many solar panels will be able to be placed on your house.
4. The installer will come to your house and measure the size of your roof to design the system to fit your roof.
5. If your panels are to be installed other than parallel to the roof plane, within 300 mm of the roof peak, or mounted on any system other
than the approved racking system, you will require a roof inspection to have the trusses checked for load bearing capacity on an existing
building before a permit will be issued. You will need an independent engineer to come & take care of the roof inspection on an existing
building; if this is a new build you should be able to get a letter from the truss manufacturer with load bearing capacity.
6. Bring all paperwork from the installer and engineer to City Hall to receive your building & electrical permit. Ground mounted panels will not
require a building permit (or roof inspection).
7. System installation. Your installation time frame will probably be between 4-8 Weeks
8. Once your installation is complete you will need to request inspections. Inspections are generally completed within 2 working days.
9. Once the inspections are complete it will be sent to the Electrical Operations at the City and they will come and install your bi-directional
meter. This can take up to 1 week.
10. Your system is now ready to GO LIVE.
11. The City will contact the Fire Department to let them know that your house has solar panels. This is done in the case of a fire the
firefighters are aware of the solar panels and they can properly shut them down for their own safety.
12. Contact your insurance company and add the solar panels to the value of your home.
Installation Checklist
○ Contact solar installers and ask for references. There are two local solar installers
in Lethbridge:
The installer should work with you to complete the steps in this checklist.
○ Work with your installer to determine the size of your system.
○ If required, complete your roof inspection and engineering report.
○ Apply for a building permit from the City. You will require a diagram of the location and placement on the roof.
○ Apply for an electrical permit from the City. You will need a line diagram of the system.
○ Apply for a microgeneration agreement.
○ Sign an interconnection agreement with the City of Lethbridge Electric Utility.
Resources
Alberta Energy Efficiency – Residential and Commercial Solar Program
Solar Energy Society of Alberta